The Audi A2 1.4 TDI with 55 kW (75 bhp) engine will soon have a big brother: starting in November 2003, an uprated version of the A2 with a 66 kW (90 bhp) engine will join the programme, enlarging it to five engine versions in all. With a maximum torque of 230 Nm between 1900 and
2200 rpm, this compact three-cylinder unit accelerates the A2, a true `light athlete' with an aluminium body, in 10.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. This new top version in the Audi A2 model line has a top speed of 188 km/h and complies with the tough European EU4 exhaust emission limits.

The customer benefits in two ways: there is a tax concession until 2005, and in any case the car's fuel consumption is gratifyingly low, with a total test figure of only 4.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.

The new engine owes its higher power output and torque primarily to a new turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and a boost pressure raised to 2.3 bar (absolute). The new charge-air intercooler, with a distinctly higher efficiency rating, also contributes to the 1.4-litre engine's higher performance, as does the optimised combustion chamber pattern. The compression ratio has been lowered to 18.0 : 1.

Further detailed work on the engine and its high-pressure fuel injection system has enabled Audi's engineers to comply with the most stringent emission limits currently valid worldwide.

Examples of their work are the electrically operated exhaust gas recirculation system, which now has an uprated cooling capacity and the shutoff flap in the intake manifold, controlled by the engine operating map, which helps to maintain the optimum
combustion mixture. The pump-injector elements have a modified spray angle and increased flow capacity to suit the new operating situation.

There have been detail modifications to the entire pump-injector system. The new Bosch EDC 15 engine management with EOBD (European On-board Diagnosis) and separate pilot injection has injector elements of even higher precision and therefore exerts a positive effect on emission and noise levels.

The larger oil cooler and the new pistons with cooling oilway are a logical consequence of the more extreme temperatures likely to be encountered in this powerful engine. Screening measures on the intake manifold and cylinder block have achieved a distinct improvement in the three-cylinder engine's acoustic refinement.

This new "high-tech heart" suits the character of the Audi A2 very well. The engine's low weight of only 127 kilograms helps to keep the complete car's unladen weight down to 1,030 kilograms and achieve balanced weight distribution between the axles. The results of this successful combination of features are dynamic road behaviour and a high level of agility.

In view of its high performance and the ability to carry up to five people, the new model's unrivalled fuel economy is all the more impressive. The fuel tank holds 42 litres, so that an action radius of up to 1,000 kilometres is possible before refuelling, which makes the A2 1.4 TDI extremely suitable for journeys involving long distances.

The suspension has also been matched to the increased performance potential, with spring and shock absorber ratings chosen for perfect harmony between agility and convincing ride comfort in all journey conditions. Like the A2 1.6 FSI, this new top TDI model has disc brakes at the rear wheels as well, so that effective stopping power is always available.

When it goes into production before the end of this year, a closer look will be needed to find the red `I' in the badge on the tailgate that identifies this new and most powerful TDI version of the A2.

The 66 kW A2 1.4 TDI enlarges the Audi A2 programme to five models, all of which comply with the EU4 exhaust emission limits. In addition to the two spark-ignition engines, one of which is the 1.6-litre FSI with direct petrol injection, and the 1.4 TDI with 55 kW (75 bhp) engine, the four-ring emblem is also to be seen on the A2 1.2 TDI, which appeared in 2001 and was the world's first five-door model with a fuel consumption of only three litres per 100 kilometres.

Like all the other versions of the A2, the 1.4 TDI with its uprated engine represents the sum of the experience that Audi has gained as a pioneer of weight-saving design. The Audi Space Frame ASF principle makes the A2's aluminium body more than 40 percent lighter than a similar car of conventional pressed-steel construction, yet it has an interior of generous size that makes excellent use of the available space, so that the occupants travel in conditions of outstanding comfort.

The space floor concept, with the rear footwells lower than those in front, adds to the available space in the rear-seat area and guarantees rear seat occupants an ergonomically correct, relaxed seated position that is not matched by any other car in this class.

As with the Audi A8, the aluminium body built according to the Audi Space Frame ASF principle is the key to high passive safety. The extremely rigid frame structure protects the car's occupants like a cocoon and absorbs impact energy most effectively.

With two front and two side airbags and seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters at all seats, the Audi A2 offers its occupants a high standard of safety. The optional sideguard head airbags set a new standard in this car class.

Since mid-May 2003 the A2 colour.storm has been available, a colourful eye-catcher with the body painted in Misano Red, Imola Yellow or Sprint Blue and with matching seat upholstery fabrics in each case. A visual contrast is provided by various outer surfaces and add-on items with a matt black paint finish, for example the roof, outside mirrors, wheel arches, protective rubbing strips and service module flap.

The suggested retail price of the Audi A2 1.4 TDI with 66 kW/90 bhp engine in Germany is Euro 19,200.